Never has there been a period in Broncos history where pass protection from the running back position has been a more highlighted topic. And this is where Knowshon Moreno shines. Because of past success he’s become the resident expert on how to keep the quarterback protected – in this case a very, very important quarterback in Peyton Manning.

“Running the ball is an instant; a lot of guys can do that,” Moreno said. “It’s the other little things that you can do – catch the ball out of the backfield, pass protection – and every year you want to get better at those things. Not only is it a technical thing, I think it’s more of a mentality and a physical thing – wanting to get physical.”

Rookie running back Montee Ball’s block on Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner early in the Broncos last preseason game did not fit the bill. Wagner was able to run right through it and get a hard hit in on Manning, who had just released the ball. That play opened the door again for pass protection debate.

Moreno was asked what advice he’d give to the young running backs in this situation.

“I feel like in those kinds of things, you have to have a short memory,” Moreno said. “You know what to do, and when those things happen, when you miss a block or anything, it’s forgetting what happened on the last play and move on.”